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Bentley's First All-Electric Model Arrives with V8-Level Torque and Understated Power
The luxury automaker debuts the Torcal EV next month, trading V8 engines for over 1,000 newton-meters of torque and a 300-mile range.
Ars Technica
Bentley will unveil its first fully battery-powered vehicle next month: the Torcal, a compact luxury electric SUV that marks the brand's definitive shift away from internal combustion. Though the British marque has embraced electrification through plug-in hybrids in recent years—most recently replacing the Continental GT's V12 with a hybrid V8 setup—the Torcal represents the first model to ditch the gas engine entirely.
Engineering and Range#
Built on a platform shared with the Porsche Cayenne EV, the Torcal promises the efficiency benefits of a purpose-built battery-powered design while maintaining Bentley's signature cabin space. The SUV is shorter and lower than its Bentayga sibling, yet offers comparable interior volume thanks to EV packaging advantages. Bentley targets 300 miles of EPA-rated range (or 600 km under WLTP testing), with 400 kW DC fast-charging capability matching its Porsche cousin.
Performance Philosophy Over Raw Numbers#
Rather than chasing maximum output figures, Bentley's engineers have calibrated the Torcal for what the brand does best: smooth, accessible power delivery. The vehicle will produce over 850 horsepower and more than 1,000 newton-meters (737 lb-ft) of torque—figures that rival traditional V8 engines and underscore how electric motors align with Bentley's philosophy of effortless performance.
According to Martin Page, product line director for the Torcal, "our calibration has been focused on how do we make the progression feel effortless, feel confidence-inspiring, and at the limit of comfort for our customers so that they feel like they can access the full potential of the car on a regular basis." The emphasis, he explained, is on ensuring drivers can unlock the vehicle's capabilities without needing extreme conditions or aggressive inputs.

